Unverified Bb Gandanghari biopic on Rene Baterbonia draws backlash

Online claims about alleged film project draw criticism, but no confirmation has been issued by BB Gandanghari.

An unverified statement circulating on social media has fueled speculation that BB Gandanghari is allegedly planning a film based on the life of late basketball player Rene Baterbonia following the recent Ateneo Blue Eagles tragedy.

The post, which surfaced shortly after photos of Gandanghari wearing a “Gone Too Soon” jersey in tribute to Baterbonia and Divine Adili circulated online, claimed that the filmmaker was in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, to meet with the Baterbonia family for a supposed movie project. It also alleged that Dawn Zulueta would portray Rene’s mother, with Gandanghari set to direct the film.

However, these claims remain unverified, and no official announcement has been made by Gandanghari or any production outfit.

The circulating post nevertheless drew criticism online, with some netizens questioning why public figures and content creators were allegedly turning the tragedy into potential content or entertainment.

Others argued that the focus should remain on accountability and justice for the victims, rather than on projects that could be perceived as benefiting from the incident.

“As if the family hasn’t even recovered from the tragedy, then something like this already surfaces? Rene is being used too much,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “If it honors him and keeps his memory alive, why not? What’s the harm?”

As of writing, Gandanghari has not issued a statement addressing the circulating claims or confirming whether any such film project exists.

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